Wikileaks - CCXLVI
49457 1/10/2006 11:04 06MASERU7 Embassy Maseru UNCLASSIFIED 06STATE232766 VZCZCXRO7006 PP RUEHDU RUEHJO DE RUEHMR #0007 0101104 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P R 101104Z JAN 06 FM AMEMBASSY MASERU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1790 INFO RUEHNR/AMEMBASSY NAIROBI 0015 RUEHKI/AMEMBASSY KINSHASA 0003 RUEHDS/AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA 0009 RUEHMV/AMEMBASSY MONROVIA 0001 RUEHAN/AMEMBASSY ANTANANARIVO 0007 RUEHWD/AMEMBASSY WINDHOEK 0040 RUEHLGB/AMEMBASSY KIGALI 0004 RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM RUEHSA/AMEMBASSY PRETORIA 0500 RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 0002 RUEHME/AMEMBASSY MEXICO 0001 RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ 0001 RUEHBR/AMEMBASSY BRASILIA 0001 RUEHOT/AMEMBASSY OTTAWA 0004 RUEHQT/AMEMBASSY QUITO 0001 RUEHKG/AMEMBASSY KINGSTON 0001 RUEHMK/AMEMBASSY MANAMA 0001 RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD 0004 RUEHPG/AMEMBASSY PRAGUE 0001 RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0009 RUEHRK/AMEMBASSY REYKJAVIK 0001 RUEHLE/AMEMBASSY LUXEMBOURG 0001 RUEHBM/AMEMBASSY BUCHAREST 0001 RUEHKB/AMEMBASSY BAKU 0001 RUEHLI/AMEMBASSY LISBON 0001 RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU 0001 RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 0003 RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA 0001 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 0007 RUEHHI/AMEMBASSY HANOI 0001 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 0030 RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY RUEHMR/AMEMBASSY MASERU 2041 UNCLAS MASERU 000007
SIPDIS
SIPDIS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED DEPT FOR IO/T - BLACKWOOD, HHS/GLOBAL HEALTH AFFAIRS - PARTRIDGE
E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL, AORC, TBIO, WHO, LT SUBJECT: WHO EXECUTIVE BOARD: LESOTHO'S POSITION ON SMALLPOX AGENDA ITEM
REF: STATE 232766
1. (U) Lesotho's Minister of Health Phooko concurred with USG position regarding WHO Smallpox Agenda Item during January 9 discussion with Ambassador. Following review of talking points (reftel), Dr. Phooko stated that the concern of WHO Regional Committee for Africa was a desire for transparency and inclusivity in research activities. Phooko was especially interested in knowing the names of African experts/scientists who might be part of research teams. ACTION REQUEST: Post requests HHS forward this information to us in a timely manner before the GOL/WHO delegation departs for Geneva o/a January 21.
2. (SBU) Minister Phooko also alluded to the Regional Committee's concern about misuse of existing virus stockpiles in bioterrorism. He indicated that least developed countries were especially vulnerable to potential attacks. At the same time, he agreed that continued research is needed for the development of better diagnostic tools, development of effective anti-viral drugs and production of improved and safer smallpox vaccines.
3. (SBU) Comment: Minister Phooko took the lead for the Africa Regional Committee last year and is expected to be leader during this session also. He is in agreement with the U.S. position and said he would advance it during the upcoming meeting.
PERRY
